Bundle tie with head dampener

ABSTRACT

An apparatus according to the present invention provides a bundle tie including a head dampener. The tie generally comprises a strap and a tie head coupled to the strap. The tie head is adapted to engage a free end of the strap, thereby forming a loop, which may be formed or placed about one or a bundle of elongate articles such as conduit, wires, cables, ropes, and pipes, for example. The tie head is provided with a head dampener which serves to cushion what otherwise may be damaging force placed upon the one or more elongate articles by the tie head. The dampener may also serve to limit movement of the one or more elongate articles through the loop formed by the tie.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/254,261, filed 16 Apr. 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/381,971, filed 18 Mar. 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,726,468, issued 20 May 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to bundle ties, and morespecifically to a bundle tie having an improved bundle-engaging surface.

Bundle ties, sometimes referred to as cable ties, are generally wellknown in the art. A typical bundle tie includes a relatively flat straphaving a free first end and a tie head coupled to a second end. The tiehead generally includes a strap engaging means, which may be provided asan aperture through the tie head and a locking pawl situated on orwithin the head, the pawl adapted to engage one or more serrationsprovided on an engaging surface of the strap. When the strap is insertedinto the aperture in the tie head and the pawl engages the serrations,the tie generally forms a tie loop.

Prior tie heads have been coupled to a tie strap generally in twoorientation: first, normal entry tie heads include an aperture throughthe tie head that is formed substantially perpendicular to the strap inits formed, at-rest state; and second, parallel entry tie heads includean aperture through the tie head that is formed substantially parallelto the strap in its formed, at-rest state. Further, parallel entry tieheads have been provided at various angles relative to the tie straps.Regardless of the manner in which a tie head is oriented on a tie, ithas been observed that certain forces imparted by a tie head onto thebundle being secured may be damaging to the bundle.

Additionally, prior ties have generally been formed out of a relativelystrong, yet flexible material, such as plastic, nylon, stainless steel,etc. Many elongate articles in conjunction with which bundle ties areused have a smooth, flexible coating. Thus, it has been noticed that abundle that was secured by prior devices may be inclined to slip throughthe loop formed by a prior fastened tie.

Therefore, the art of bundle ties would benefit from a bundle tie havinga head dampener to assist in preventing damages to a tied bundle andfurther to assist in preventing an elongate article, or a plurality ofelongate articles, from sliding within a bundle tie loop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device according to the present invention provides a bundle tie havinga head dampener to assist in preventing damages to a tied bundle andfurther to assist in preventing an elongate article, or a plurality ofelongate articles, from sliding within a bundle tie loop.

A bundle tie having a head dampener according to the present inventionincludes an elongate strap, a tie head coupled to the elongate strap anda head dampener provided on at least a portion of the tie head. The headdampener is preferably at least partially comprised of a material thatis different than at least part of the tie head. The tie head mayinclude a first head end and a second head end coupled to the strap. Thehead further includes a head outer surface and a head bundle surface,which is generally opposed from the head outer surface. Extendingbetween the head outer surface and the head bundle surface, from thefirst head end towards the second head end, is at least one lateral headside. The head dampener is provided on at least a portion of the tiehead, such as on a portion of the head bundle surface.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, the elongate strap generally includes a first strap end, asecond strap end, a strap outer surface and a strap bundle surfacegenerally opposed from the strap outer surface. Extending between thestrap outer surface and the strap bundle surface is at least one lateralstrap side. The strap outer surface, bundle surface and lateral strapsides form a substantially flat strap body extending between andincluding the first strap end and the second strap end.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, the tie head may be coupled to the strap by being formedintegrally therewith.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, an aperture may extend through the tie head, the aperturebeing adapted to receive at least a portion of the strap. The aperturemay extend through the head outer surface and the head bundle surface,or the aperture may extend between the head outer surface and the headbundle surface.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, a head dampener comprising first and second intersecting ornonintersecting dampening rails may be disposed on the head bundlesurface. Each of the dampening rails may be positioned closer to one orthe other of the lateral head sides.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, a head dampener may extend onto a portion of the strap, suchas the strap bundle surface. The head dampener may extend onto the strapfor a desired length, which may include at least a majority of thelength of the strap. Where dampening rails are provided as a headdampener, each rail may extend onto the strap along at leastsubstantially similar lengths.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, the aperture formed through the tie head may extend betweenthe head outer surface and the head bundle surface, through the firsthead end, at least substantially parallel to a portion of the headbundle surface. The aperture may further include two spacedlongitudinal, at least substantially parallel rail channels, each railchannel being in fluid communication with the first head end. Each railchannel may be positioned closer to the head bundle surface than to thehead outer surface.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, a head dampener comprising a dampening film may be disposedon at least a portion of the head bundle surface, or even a majority ofthe head bundle surface.

According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the presentinvention, a dampening film that is disposed on the head bundle surfacemay extend onto the strap, such as the strap bundle surface, along apredetermined strap film length.

A method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tiehaving a head dampener includes the steps of providing a tie mold havinga bundle tie head cavity and a bundle tie strap cavity, and injecting afirst material into the tie mold. The first material is held in the tiemold for a first curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie. The tiehead cavity may be modified to create a modified bundle tie head cavity,thereby providing a cavity for forming a head dampener. A secondmaterial is injected into the modified bundle tie head cavity. The firstand second materials are then held for a second curing time, therebycreating a bundle tie having a head dampener. The bundle tie having ahead dampener is then removed from the tie mold.

According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention offorming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may include thestep of maintaining the bundle tie within the tie mold during themodification of the tie head cavity.

According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention offorming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may includeremoving the bundle tie from the tie mold prior to modifying the tiehead cavity, and placing at least a portion of the bundle tie in themodified tie mold prior to injecting the second material into themodified tie mold.

According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention offorming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may include astep of modifying the tie strap cavity.

Another method according to the present invention of forming a bundletie having a head dampener includes the steps of providing a first tiemold having a bundle tie head cavity and a bundle tie strap cavity, andinjecting a first material into the first tie mold. The first materialis held in the tie mold for a first curing time, thereby creating abundle tie. The bundle tie is then removed from the first tie mold andplaced in a second tie mold having a bundle tie cavity and a headdampener cavity. A second material is injected into the second tie moldto at least substantially fill the head dampener cavity. The firstmaterial and the second material are held in the second tie mold for asecond curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie having a headdampener. The bundle tie having a head dampener is then removed from thetie mold. Rather than injecting a second material into a modified tiemold, the second material could simply be applied directly to the bundletie. For example, a pattern of a second material may be disposed on thecured first material. Such pattern may be, for example, a pair ofintersecting or nonintersecting beads or rails, or a dampening film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a bundle tieaccording to the present invention, in a flexed position to show detail.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1A,having a head dampener extending onto a portion of the tie strap.

FIG. 1C is an elevation view of the bundle tie of FIG. 1B installedaround a bundle.

FIG. 1D is a top plan partial cut away view of the embodiment of FIG. 1Bfurther comprising rail clearance channels.

FIG. 1E is an elevation view of the bundle tie of FIG. 1D installedaround a bundle.

FIG. 1F is a perspective partial cut away view of the embodiment of FIG.1B, further comprising enhanced head dampening rails.

FIG. 1G is a perspective partial cut away view of a plurality of tiesaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 1F in an open loop configuration.

FIG. 1H is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1B,having a shortened head dampener.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bundle tieaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A, having anextended head dampener.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a bundle tieaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bundle tieaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A, having anextended head dampener.

FIG. 5A is a perspective partial cut away view of a fifth embodiment ofa bundle tie according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective partial cut away view of the embodiment of FIG.5A, wherein the dampening rails intersect.

FIG. 5C is a perspective partial cut away view of a sixth embodiment ofa bundle tie according to the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a perspective partial cut away view of a seventh embodimentof a bundle tie according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a first cross-section view of a first tie mold that may beimplemented in a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a second cross-section view of the first tie mold of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a third cross-section view of the first tie mold of FIG. 6A,showing the insert removed.

FIG. 7A is a first cross-section view of a second tie mold that may beused in a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a first cross-section view of a third tie mold that may beused in a method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a second cross-section view of the third tie mold of FIG. 7B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodimentsherein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied inother specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has beendescribed, the details may be changed without departing from theinvention, which is defined by the claims.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1A provides a first embodiment 100 of abundle tie according to the present invention. The tie 100 generallycomprises a substantially flat tie strap 110 having a strap outersurface 112 and a strap bundle surface 114 generally opposed from thestrap outer surface 112, extending between a first strap end 116 and asecond strap end 118. The tie strap 110 includes two lateral strap edges120, each edge being situated preferably substantially parallel to andequidistant from a central longitudinal axis 122, preferably along atleast a majority of the length 111 of the strap 110. At least a portionof the strap 110 is provided with an engagement means 113, such as aplurality of serrations 115 provided on or formed into the strap outersurface 112 or the strap bundle surface 114.

The tie 100 further comprises a tie head 150 coupled to the second strapend 118. The tie head 150 is preferably coupled to the second strap end118 by being integrally formed therewith. The tie head 150 includes ahead outer surface 152 and a head bundle surface 154 generally opposedfrom the head outer surface 152, extending between a first head end 156and a second head end 158. The tie head 150 includes two lateral headsides 160, each side being preferably situated substantially equidistantfrom the central longitudinal axis 122. Formed between the lateral headsides 160 is a throughbore 151 adapted to receive the first strap end116. As shown, the throughbore 151 may also be formed between the outersurface 152 and the bundle surface 154. Alternatively, the throughbore151 may be formed through the outer surface 152 and the bundle surface154, between the lateral head sides 160. The tie head 150 also includesa second engagement means 153, such as a pawl 155, for cooperating withthe first engagement means 113 provided on the strap 110. The secondengagement means 153 is preferably at least partially situated withinthe throughbore 151. The head bundle surface 154 extends preferably atleast substantially between the two lateral head sides 160, which may beextensions of the lateral strap edges 120, and preferably at leastsubstantially between the first head end 156 and the second head end158. The head 150 may include a perforate transition section 157,including a non-strap-engaging aperture formed through the head 150,perpendicular to the head bundle surface 154. The head bundle surface154 is provided with a head dampener 162.

The head dampener 162 may be formed in a variety of fashions. In thisfirst embodiment 100, the head dampener 162 is a pair ofnon-intersecting dampening rails 164. While provided as preferablynon-intersecting rails 164, it will occur to those in the art that therails 164 may also be provided as intersecting, as exemplarily discussedbelow in connection with FIGS. 5B and 5D. While provided at least on thehead bundle surface 154, the rails 164 may extend onto the strap bundlesurface 114 for a desired rail length 166, as seen in FIG. 1B, thelength of which may be a correlated to the planned use for the tie 100.In other words, the length 166 of the dampening rails 164 that extendsonto the strap bundle surface 114 may be tailored to result in anoverall head dampener length 168 substantially similar to the expectedresulting circumference of the tie 100 when it is placed around apredetermined bundle 190 of elongate articles 192, as shown in FIG. 1C.For instance, the dampening rail length 166 may be provided in lengthsranging from about 0.25 inches to about two inches, more preferablyranging from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50 inches. Additionally, apredetermined selection of bundle ties 100 having different dampeningrail lengths 166 may be provided in a kit form, thereby providing a userselection. The dampening rails 164 may be provided in any functionalthickness 170, disposed on the head bundle surface 154. The dampeningrail thickness 170 is preferably in the range of about 0.020 inches toabout 0.100 inches, and more preferably the thickness 170 is about 0.039inches.

While the preferred tie head 150 is shown as a parallel entry tie headthat may be formed generally perpendicular to the strap 110, in itsat-rest state, any preferred tie head 150 may be used. The at-rest stateof the tie 100 is to be understood to mean any resting position adoptedby the tie 100 from completion of manufacturing until the finalinstallation of the tie 100 about a bundle. For example, a tie 100placed upon a level table and being exposed only to the force upon thetie 100 by the table and other ambient environmental forces is a tie 100in an at-rest state.

As shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, if the head dampener 162 is providedalong a length 166 on the tie strap 112, and the strap 112 is to befastened around a bundle 190 that has a general annular circumferencethat is less than the overall head dampener length 168, or if thedampener 162 is provided along the entire length of the lateral strapedges 120, then it is preferable to provide clearance for the dampener162 while maintaining adequate engagement means support to oppose anylateral force exerted by the pawl 155. Dampener clearance may beprovided by rail clearance channels 159 formed as radial extensions ofthe head throughbore 151. The clearance channels 159, of which there arepreferably the same number as there are rails 164, are formed at a depth172 that is preferably at least as great as the rail thickness 170.Alternatively, the rail channel depth 172 may be less than the railthickness 170, preferably so long as an operative throughbore depth 174is at least as great as an operative strap depth 176. Alternatively, theoperative throughbore depth 174 may be slightly less than the operativestray thickness 176, which may cause a frictional engagement of theclearance channels 159 with the rails 164.

FIG. 1F depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1D, further comprising expandedhead rail portions 164 a. The expanded head rail portions 164 a providea greater rail thickness 170, and preferably width, also. Such expandedrail volume may provide altered rail resiliency characteristics, as wellas a greater rail surface area, which may be desirable for someapplications. Additionally, the perforate transition section 157 of FIG.1D has been substituted by an imperforate transition section 161.

FIG. 1G depicts two bundle ties according to the embodiment of FIG. 1F,joined to form a partially open loop. That is, the strap 110 of a secondbundle tie 100 b has been inserted through the throughbore 151 of afirst bundle tie 100 a, and excess strap length 165 has been trimmedoff. The first engagement means 113 of the second tie 100 b has beenengaged by the second engagement means 153 of the first tie 100 a, toresist withdrawal from the throughbore 151. Such a looping arrangementmay be desirable if the overall head dampener length 168 of one tie 100,such as the first tie 100 a, is less than the general annularcircumference of the bundle 190 to be secured. Therefore, the additionof the second tie 100 b serves to increase, effectively, the overallhead dampener length 168 of a single tie 100. While the arrangement maybe achieved generally with any embodiment of the present invention, itmay be preferable to utilize two ties 100 having the expanded head railportions 164 a so as to minimize pressure of the leading bundle surfaceedge 163 of at least one of the ties, in the pictured case, the firsttie 100 a. As can also be seen in FIG. 1G, a transition portion 167 ofthe tie head 150 may be thinner than the rest of the strap 110, asmeasured perpendicular to trio bundle surface 154.

FIG. 1H displays an alternate first embodiment 100, having the headdampener 162 extending from the head second end 158 towards toe headfirst end 156, along less than a majority of the head bundle surface154. Optionally, the dampener 162, provided in this embodiment as a pairof dampening rails 164, may onto the strap bundle surface 114 for adesired rail length 166.

FIG. 2A displays a second embodiment 200 of a bundle tie according tothe present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similarstructure to that of the first embodiment. Like the first embodiment100, this embodiment 200 is provided with a head dampener 262. Ratherthan providing the dampening rails 164, as in the first embodiment 100,this embodiment 200 utilizes a dampening film 264. The dampening film264 is preferably provided in a substantially uniform thickness acrossat least substantially the entire head bundle surface 254. Whileprovided at least on a portion of the head bundle surface 254, the film264 may extend onto the strap bundle surface 214 for a desired filmlength 266, as seen in FIG. 2B, the length of which may be a related tothe planned use for the tie 200. For instance, the dampening film length266 may be provided in lengths ranging from about 0.25 inches to abouttwo inches, more preferably ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50inches. Additionally, a predetermined selection of bundle ties 200having different dampening film lengths 266 may be provided in a kitform, thereby providing a user selection. The dampening film 264 may beprovided in any functional thickness 270, disposed on the head bundlesurface 254.

FIG. 3 displays a third embodiment 300 of a bundle tie according to thepresent invention, where like reference numbers refer to similarstructure to that of the second embodiment 200. Like the secondembodiment 200, this embodiment 300 includes a head dampener 362 in theform of a dampening film 364. However, this embodiment 300 includes thefilm 364 on only a portion of the head bundle surface 354, notsubstantially the entire head bundle surface 354, like the film 264 ofthe second embodiment 200.

FIG. 4A displays a fourth embodiment 400 of a bundle tie according tothe present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similarstructure to that of the third embodiment. This embodiment 400, like thethird embodiment 300, includes a dampening film 464 on only a portion ofthe head bundle surface 454. However, the dampening film 464 extendsfrom the head second end 458, and may extend onto the strap bundlesurface 414 for a predetermined length 466, as seen in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A depicts a fifth embodiment 500 of a bundle tie according to thepresent invention, where like reference numbers refer to similarstructure to that of the first embodiment. Unlike the perforatetransition portion 157 of the first embodiment, this embodiment includesan imperforate transition portion 561.

FIG. 5B depicts an alternate fifth embodiment 500 of a bundle tieaccording to the present invention, where like reference numbers referto similar structure to that of the first embodiment 100. Unlike theseparate and distinct rails 564 provided in FIG. 5A, this alternateembodiment provides a pair of intersecting dampening rails 564. Therails 564 generally intersect to form a V-shape head dampener 562, whichmay include a first length 562 a along which the dampening rails 564 areat least substantially parallel, and a second length 562 b, along whichthe dampening rails 564 converge.

FIG. 5C is a perspective partial cut away view of a sixth embodiment 600of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like referencenumbers refer to similar structure to that of the embodiment of FIG. 2A.Unlike the perforate transition portion 257 of the first embodiment,this embodiment includes an imperforate transition portion 661.

FIG. 5D is a perspective partial cut away view of a seventh embodiment700 of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where likereference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the sixthembodiment 600. The head dampener 762 of this embodiment 700 includes atleast two, and preferably three, components. First, a dampening film 764a is provided. Second, dampening rails 764 b are provided. Additionally,a dampening sleeve 764 c may also be provided. While these dampenercomponents may be provided as separate and distinct components, it ispreferable to provide the components as molded integrally together, andof the same material. The dampening film 764 a is disposed directly onthe head bundle surface 754, covering at least a majority thereof. Thedampening rails 764 b are disposed on top of or adjacent to thedampening film 764 a. The rails 764 b are preferably provided asintersecting rails, as shown, similar to the rails of the alternatefifth embodiment 500 of FIG. 5B. Alternatively, the rails 764 b may beprovided as nonintersecting rails, similar to those of the fifthembodiment 500 of FIG. 5A. The dampening sleeve 764 c is a band ofmaterial that encircles the remainder of a circumference of the tie head750 formed by the head bundle surface 754, the head lateral sides 760and the head outer surface 752. Rather than being molded onto the tiehead 750, a dampener 762 including the dampener sleeve 764 c may beprovided as a separate piece part, to be friction fitted to the head750. The transition section 761 of the tie head 750 of this embodiment700 is preferably imperforate.

Bundle ties according to the present invention are preferably injectionmolded and formed from a strong, yet flexible material such as variousplastics, nylon, and the like. The dampening rails and films of thedisclosed embodiments may be formed from any desirable material. Apreferred elastomeric material may be used, such as a siliconeelastomer. Other possible dampener materials include thermoplasticelastomers (TPE), such as thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) andthermoplastic styrenics (TPS), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), andthermoplastic urethane (TPU). While the head dampeners of the variousembodiments may be adhered to the tie heads and straps aftermanufacture, the ties are preferably made by using a multi-materialmolding process, such as a multi-shot injection molding process wherethe tie is molded first, the injection molding cavity of the tie mold isaltered or the tie is moved to a second tie mold, and the elastomericmaterial is injected to bond to at least a portion of the head and formthe desired head dampener.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C depict steps included in a first process formanufacturing a bundle tie according to the present invention. FIG. 6Ashows a two-piece tie mold 800 with a removable insert 802. When firstassembled, as shown in FIG. 6B, the mold 800 provides a bundle tie headcavity 804 in fluid communication with a bundle tie strap cavity 806.The insert 802 interfaces at least a portion of the tie head cavity 804.A first material is injected into the tie mold 800. The first materialis held for a first curing time, allowing the material to cure to asufficient or desired hardness, thereby forming a bundle tie head 150coupled to a bundle tie strap 110. The mold 800 is then modified byremoving the mold insert 802, thereby creating a modified bundle tiehead cavity 808. If the coupled molded tie head 150 and strap 110 wereremoved from the mold 800 to remove the insert 802, it is replaced intothe mold 800, as shown in FIG. 6C. A second material is injected intothe modified bundle tie head cavity 808. To create a bundle tie having ahead dampener, the first material and second material are held in themold 800 for a second curing time, which may be shorter, the same as, orlonger than the first curing time, depending on materials used. Acompleted bundle tie, e.g. the tie 100 in FIG. 1B, is then removed fromthe mold 800.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C depict steps included in a second process formanufacturing a bundle tie according to the present invention. In thisprocess, a plurality of micas is used in series to successively molddifferent portions of a completed bundle tie. FIG. 7A provides a firsttie mold 900 having a bundle tie head cavity 902 and a bundle tie strapcavity 904. A first material in injected into the first tie mold 900 andheld for a first curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie having ahead 150 coupled to a strap 110. The bundle tie is removed from thefirst tie mold 900 and is placed into a second tie mold 950, as shown inFIG. 7B. The second tie mold 950 has a bundle tie cavity, in which thebundle tie is situated, and a cooperating head dampener cavity 906,which interfaces at least a portion of the bundle tie head 150, when abundle tie is placed in the second mold 950. A second material is ininto the second tie mold 950 to at least substantially fill the headdampener cavity 906. A bundle tie having a head dampener is then formedby holding the bundle tie and second material in the second tie mold 950for a second curing time, which may be shorter, the same as, or longerthan the first curing time. A completed bundle tie, e.g. tie 100 in FIG.1B, is then removed from the second tie mold 950. One advantage of usinga two mold process, as partially illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, is that asecond bundle tie may be formed contemporaneously with the forming of ahead dampener on the first tie. That is, once a first tie is removedfrom the first tie mold 900 and placed in the second tie mold 950 toform the head dampener on the first tie, the first tie mold 900 may beused to form a second bundle tie.

The method partially depicted in FIGS. 7A-7C may be changed withoutdeparting from the invention. For instance, rather than removing the tiefrom a first mold 900 and placing it in a second mold 950, the tie mayremain in a strap mold base 910, and may be associated with a dampeningmold 930. Thus, the second mold 950 would be formed by the strap moldbase 910 into which the strap material was injected, and by thedampening mold 930, which includes the head dampener cavity 906. Suchassociation of a strap mold base 910 and a dampening mold 930 may beachieved a variety of ways, such as by horizontal or vertical rotationof the mold base 910 after the first curing time, and registration ofthe mold base 910 with the dampening mold 930. Basically, the moldingprocess may be achieved through any known or later developed moldingtechnologies, including core toggle molding, robotic transfer, rotaryplaten, indexing plate and horizontal rotary stack.

Alternatively, rather than modifying a tie mold or changing tie molds, asecond material may be applied or disposed directly onto the bundle tiein a preferred pattern, or a cured second material may be adhered to thebundle tie. The application of a second material directly onto thebundle tie may be achieved by extruding a bead of the second materialsubstantially contemporaneously with the placement of the secondmaterial onto the bundle tie.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changeswill readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. While the preferred embodiment has been described, thedetails may be changed without departing from the invention, which isdefined by the claims.

We claim:
 1. A bundle tie comprising: an elongate strap; a tie headcoupled to said elongate strap, said tie head comprising: a first headend, a second head end coupled to a second strap end, a head outersurface, and a head bundle surface generally opposed from said headouter surface, wherein at least one lateral head side extends betweensaid head outer surface and said head bundle surface from said firsthead end towards said second head end; and a head dampener in the formof a pair of intersecting dampening rails provided on at least a portionof said tie head and at least a portion of said head bundle surface,wherein said pair of intersecting dampening rails are formed of adifferent material than at least a portion of said tie head and whereina length of said pair of intersecting dampening rails extends from saidhead bundle surface onto said elongated strap along a predeterminedstrap length.
 2. The bundle tie according to claim 1, wherein said pairof intersecting dampening rails covers a majority of said head bundlesurface.
 3. The bundle tie according to claim 1, wherein said length ofsaid pair of intersecting dampening rails is less than an annularcircumference of a bundle contained by said bundle tie.
 4. The bundletie according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of said pair ofintersecting dampening rails is in a range of 0.5 millimeters to 2.5millimeters.
 5. The bundle tie according to claim 1, wherein thedifferent material forming the pair of intersecting dampening rails isselected from the list consisting of thermoplastic elastomers,thermoplastic vulcanizates, thermoplastic styrenics, thermoplasticolefins, and thermoplastic urethanes.
 6. The bundle tie according toclaim 1, wherein the pair of intersecting dampening rails include afirst length along which the dampening rails are substantially paralleland as second length along which the dampening rails converge.
 7. Thebundle tie according to claim 1, wherein the pair of intersectingdampening rails intersect to form a V shape.